December 12, 2017In the first of a series of articles looking back at the year, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox wonders if 2017 has seen an elite echelon of bands create an unbridgeable gap between themselves and the rest of the contesting masses?

August 16, 20174BR Editor Iwan Fox wonders if a combination of more thoughtful composition and flexible players with open minds could lead to an exciting new future for the soprano cornet in top level banding.

May 25, 2017In the second of her blogs in her Brass Development Fellowship role with the Brass for Africa Charity, Dr. Taylor Hughey talks about the cultural differences and challenges in teaching and inspiring young musicians in Uganda.

May 11, 20174BR Editor Iwan Fox takes a closer look at the Peter Meechan's 'Fragile Oasis' and tries to pick the four bands that may just give the best musical view of the Blue Planet in the vast blackness of space.

April 25, 20174BR Editor Iwan Fox finds out more about the Championship Section set-work 'Where Angels Fly' - written by composer Kevin Houben and inspired by the father of Belgian wind music Paul Gilson.

April 6, 2017Sandy Smith puts forward his opinion that this year's test-piece selections have highlighted a serious erosion in playing abilities at all levels - and comes up with some musical choices that he believes may benefit us all.

March 31, 2017Brass Bands England's flagship contest is a great event - so why can't it be shouted about from the rooftops. 4BR Editor Iwan Fox looks forward to the contest and asks a few questions why?

March 8, 20174BR takes a closer look at the battles for qualification places on Philip Sparke's New Zealand inspired test-piece in the northern hemisphere outposts of Perth, Torquay, Bedworth and Durham this weekend.

March 9, 20174BR looks forward to the Rhapsodic action in the Second Section at Perth, Torquay, Bedworth and Durham on a piece that is posing real demands on bands about understanding its true identity.

March 9, 20174BR looks a little more closely at the runners and riders in Perth, Torquay, Bedworth and Durham hoping to make a triptych historical portrait of a suburb of Manchester come to qualifying life.

March 2, 2017In the first of a new series of blogs in her Brass Development Fellowship role with the Brass for Africa Charity, Dr. Taylor Hughey talks about her first impressions and instincts on taking up her post in Kampala in Uganda.

January 11, 2017In the second of his articles, composer Gavin Higgins explores some of the iconic compositional opportunities that may have passed the brass band movement by since 'Labour and Love' in 1913 - this time from the 1960s to the 1990s.

Vacancies

January 21 • The band is still seeking a cornet player (Preferably front rank but or course negotiable). The band undertakes interesting and varied engagements with visits abroad most years. We are made up of players from all walks of life, not just the police

January 20 • The Leicestershire Co-op Band is looking to fill their vacant front row cornet seat (position negotiable). We are a friendly, sociable group, with high aspirations. Rehearsals are Tuesday and Thursday, in our own Bandroom, in Coalville, Leicestershire.

January 20 • We'd be pleased to hear from suitable players interested in joining us on 1st Baritone either immediately or after the areas. We are keen to build on our First Section, 3rd placing at Butlins whilst continuing to enjoy our banding.